At Xiamen University Malaysia, geese have always graced the campus, whether gliding across the serene surface of Furong Lake or wandering along the lush pathways. Recently, this beloved community welcomed a new addition - the first baby goose to be born on campus after a two-year wait.

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“On 15 August, we found five goose eggs in the nest. After a month of artificial incubation, our university welcomed the first baby goose born in the past two years. We were thrilled to finally see new life on campus,” said Lim Kim Long, a staff member from Xiamen University Malaysia's Procurement and Asset Management Office (PAMO).
To ensure the success of the hatching, Kim Long borrowed an egg incubator from the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences. The incubator, originally used for microbiological experiments, became the "home" for the eggs over the next month.
In fact, this journey began with a lot of uncertainty. Since there was no prior experience with incubation, Kim Long scoured the internet for information and carefully selected the ideal temperature - 37°C - for the eggs to develop. He diligently monitored the eggs daily, recording changes and ensuring they remained in a stable environment.
Despite initial concerns, the process went smoothly. Regular monitoring and meticulous record-keeping ensured the eggs developed under optimal conditions. “Regrettably, I was out of the room when the baby goose was born and didn’t get to see it break out of its shell. When I returned, I saw a baby goose struggling among the remaining four eggs - that was on 18 September,” Kim Long said.

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The baby goose, affectionately named ‘Foie Gras,’ initially raised some logistical concerns as it refused to eat. Being just a day old, its feathers were not yet fully grown, and it had to live in a thermostat-controlled environment.
Kim Long carefully sourced three types of goose feed, and eventually, Foie Gras took a keen interest in spinach, regaining its energy. “It was so active that I had to give it a separate ‘room’ so that it wouldn’t disturb the others,” he said.

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As Foie Gras continues to grow, Kim Long is considering how to incorporate it into the existing flock. On the evening of 24 September, the second gosling was born, and plans are in place to introduce both goslings into the group. However, due to Foie Gras' unique diet and artificial hatching, it may face challenges adapting to the flock’s natural dynamics. “We’ll closely monitor its behavior to ensure it fits in, and if necessary, we’ll continue raising it separately,” Lim Kim Long explained.
According to PAMO, the university currently has eight geese (four males and four females) that have been living on campus for two years under the careful care of staff members. The team regularly cleans the geese’s habitat and provides fresh feed.
The decision to introduce geese to the campus was inspired by Xiamen University’s main campus tradition of swan breeding. Full of water and grass, the path along Furong Lake has become a favorite spot for walking. Keeping geese not only enriches the campus ecology and enhances its beauty, but also serves a role in campus security.

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As the hatching of the remaining three eggs continues, the campus eagerly awaits the arrival of more goslings. PAMO reminded everyone that while the geese are friendly, it's important for staff and students to maintain a respectful distance to avoid potential accidents.
“The birth of Foie Gras is a heartening reminder of the vibrant life on our campus. We look forward to seeing the gosling thrive by Furong Lake alongside its siblings in the near future,” Kim Long said.

(Contributed by Su Yuhan & Xia Yuming)